Virginia Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Great Falls, Virginia

Population: 12,000

Located in Fairfax County

George Washington once owned some of this area. Great Falls, formerly Forestville, abuts the Potomac River and overlooks the rocky fault line that caused the swirling but beautiful Great Falls rapids and brought about an unsuccessful attempt by Washington and others to build a river barge canal bypass.

Today, Great Falls, an exclusive horse-oriented community, is a fast-growing, expensive residential area, limited to single detached homes on half-acre to estate-sized lots. Basically rural, the area contains much parkland and several significant historic sites, including the restored Colvin Run Mill and several colonial period homesteads. Homes in new subdivisions are predominantly colonial in design and start at around $450,000 on two-acre lots.

The Early American style village center features quaint shops and fine restaurants. Great Falls Park with its visitor's center and nature trails offers beautiful views of the Potomac River. There is also a county operated 409-acre Riverbend Park that offers a marina, a nature center and trails. Colvin Run Mill Park has a gristmill (available for rental) and a general store. In addition, Great Falls features an equestrian center and several country clubs and parks.